Carole and George Fletcher Foundation reaches $1 million fundraising goal
The Carole and George Fletcher Foundation, established by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT), is celebrating the success of one its most ambitious fundraising ventures, announcing that the 25 for 25 Building Forward Campaign has achieved its $1 million goal of establishing an endowed fund at each of Ontario’s 25 colleges.
“We did it,” said David Tsang, A.Sc.T., chair of OACETT’s
Carole and George Fletcher Foundation. “Hitting the $1 million goal has expanded the bursary program’s reach and has enhanced support for engineering technology education.”
Tsang and fellow Foundation trustees launched the ground-breaking campaign with the goal of creating a sustainable $1,000 annual award for students enrolled in a recognized engineering or applied science program who best exemplify integrity and professionalism. To support the bursary program, the trustees came up with a strategy to create a $40,000 endowed fund at every Ontario college. To achieve this goal, at least $1 million would have to be raised through the generous support of donors.
“The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the commitment of OACETT members, industry, colleges and the Ontario government,” said Tsang. “Thank you all for supporting the next generation of engineering technology professionals.”
Cambrian College in Sudbury is the most recent college to grow its endowment fund to $40,000 with the support of the 25 for 25 Building Forward Campaign donations.
“We’re grateful for the acknowledgement and support from leading industry associations like OACETT and from the many donors who contributed to the Carole and George Fletcher Foundation campaign to make this endowment a reality,” said Bill Best, Cambrian College president. “Awards like these give students a real boost, offering financial aid and industry encouragement that helps them to focus on their studies and achieve their goals. Cambrian is committed to making post-secondary studies more accessible and affordable for students, and this endowment and our partnership with OACETT help the college fulfil that commitment.”
Carole and George Fletcher Foundation trustee David Saunders, C.E.T. (center) presents $10,000 gift to Cambrian College president Bill Best (left) and Cambrian Foundation director Darlene Palmer.